The 2010 Census: “It’s In Our Hands” (Stone and Taney County)

The 2010 Census: "It's In Our Hands" In the United States, a Census is done every ten years. For the next 10 months, our government will be preparing for the next census that will take place in the year 2010. Local, State and Federal officials will be working hard to make this Census the most successful and accurate on record. Taney and Stone Counties have joined forces for this significant event with the goal of educating our residents about the importance of filling out the ten short questions mailed out by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census is a snapshot of the country showing how we look and where we live. It shows us how many people live in the United States of America and helps predict the future needs for our youth, seniors, workers and communities. Congressional and local districts are created based on the Census. Accurate Census counts determine where over $300 billion per year in federal and state funds are allocated and distributed. Census data is used by businesses for products and services and by community service organizations to obtain funding for their programs. The Census affects Federal Grant funding upon which both Taney and Stone counties rely. The very existence of local programs like the School Breakfast and Lunch Program, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Child Care and Development, Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities, Programs for the aging and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) depend upon the data obtained from the U.S. Census. Local infrastructure plans are impacted by census figures as well. The continued development of new roads and bridges as well as the restoration of existing structures are critical to our citizens and the tourists that use them when traveling to our area, pumping tourism dollars into our local economies. Most importantly though is how the census directly impacts the families that reside in Taney and Stone Counties. Establishing fair market rents and determining areas eligible for housing assistance and home improvement loans comes from data collected by the U.S. Census. Monies required for the building of safe schools for our children, planning for hospitals and clinics to tend to our sick and providing services for families in poverty are all affected by information gathered from the census. The U.S Census and its accuracy is vital when it comes to serving our communities, families, individuals and children who live, work and play in Taney and Stone Counties. It's hard to imagine how ten short questions can truly determine the outcomes of so many important things in our communities. Stop and take the time to fill out the 2010 Census form when it arrives in your mailbox. It's the best thing that you can do for your community and for your families. Christopher Welch Chairman for the Complete Count Committee for the 2010 Census Taney and Stone Counties http://MissouriNetizen.com http://www.bransonedge.com http://bransonmissouri.missourinetizen.com